YOUNG Brits insist that stronger rules are needed to protect young people from social media harms, a new survey finds.
Some 74 per cent of Generation Z, those born between 1997 and 2012, want restrictions toughened-up while 17 per cent say there is no need.
More than 60 per cent in the study, say that social media has got worse in the last five years becoming less safe and more addictive[/caption]
More than 60 per cent in the study, aged 16 to 24, say that social media has got worse in the last five years becoming less safe and more addictive.
The research by The New Britain Project comes as Ministers are poised to commit to researching the issues around social media harms and smartphone use – rather than illegal content.
Labour MP Josh MacAlister proposed the plans, to be debated today (Fri), to raise the age of online data consent from 13 to 16 protecting youths from apps such as TikTok and Snapchat but this has been watered down.
But he said: “It will be the first meaningful step from a UK government to engage with the widespread impacts of excessive smartphone and social media use by children.”
The study also showed that four out of five young people also revealed they would keep their own children off social media for as long as possible.
Young women revealed they were more negative about social media than young men. Half of all young people said they regretted time spent on their phones while growing up.
Luke Tryl, executive director at More in Common, said: “Far from feeling empowered by smartphones and social media this research shows that many Gen Z Britons regret the time they spent on their devices.
“This research shows that the demand for the government to take action to better protect children from the harms of social media spans young Britons, their parents and the public at large, as well as voters for all parties.”
A spokesperson for the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, said: “We are committed to keeping young people safe online whilst also ensuring they can benefit from the latest technology.
“By the summer, robust new protections for children will be in force through the Online Safety Act to protect them from harmful content and ensure they have an age-appropriate experience online.
Alex Towers, Director of Policy Public Affairs at BT Group said: “Telecoms companies and digital platforms have a responsibility to address the impact of smartphones and social media on children.
“It’s striking to see the evidence that Gen Z agree more intervention is needed.
“We support the idea of requiring parental consent for any child under 16 to be able to sign up to social media, and we hope that will be where UK legislation ends up once the Government and Ofcom have examined all the evidence.”
